Editor-in-Chief: Dr.H.A.Parshwanath

Vol.1      Issue 2

June 2002

Editorial

             At present Jainism is in a state of transition from its prevailing heritage to posterity. Its revival and existence mainly depend on the earnest efforts of the youngsters. Staying in and outside the country. Any concept of religion art and classics require revival from time to time to maintain its testimony. Changing is a permanent feature of any progressive field of study. The environmental factors decide the varying shape of the community. The advent of modernity and scientific approach to the religion should be kept in mind in this direction the onslaught of volatile  and inconsistent practices will only gear up in incongruous modalities of life hence the people appraising the religion should rise to the occasion and prove their metal in the endeavors. The message of the tirthankaras should percolate the day to day practice of social religion and should be a perpetual event. Competition prevails in the inequalities of ability and talent in the developing countries. The struggle continues unabated towards reaching the goal of fraternity, chastity and sincerity, the qualities of mankind. Jainism provides vent for quenching the thirst of knowledge through its panchanuvrathas. Attachment and detachment and floral ambition should find a vivid state of mind and thus comprehending the eternity and moksha. 

Bhagawan Mahavira stressed upon the importance of athma and its resurrection from the point of liberating oneself from the bondage of life. Being good to others and helping in arduous situations to overcome the ravage of joys and sorrows should be the motto of any individual and thus paving the path for peaceful living. The JAINA VOICE strives hard to inculcate the practice of religion in the light of modern way of life. It tries to educate and fasten the message of Jainism to the nooks and corners of the globe.

I express my sincere thanks to all the well wishers the admirers and friends who have shown keen interest towards this novel venture. Your guidance and perseverance will act as a limelight in my future steps of work and endeavors. I solicit your grace and concern in this regard.                

Thanking you,

-Dr. H.A.Parshwanath

JAINISM IN THE PATH OF RESURRECTION - BHUVANAKEERTHI BHATTARAKHA MAHARAJ

Mysore, May 26: His Holiness Sri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of Kanakagiri (Chamarajanagara District), Karnataka stressed on the utility of electronic media in the propagation and resurrection of Jainism in the present era. He felt that the Jainism has found its firm foot hold in the global context by spreading its tentacles far and wide encompassing a large number of followers. He was speaking during the launching of our website jainheritagecentres.com at Mysore on May 26th organized by Kannada Sahitya Parishath and Mothikhane Sri M.L.Vardhamanaiah Family Trust, Mysore. He felt its imminent need as a scientific tool in rejuvenating the mile stones in the growth and development of the religion through its inherent classics and literature. He elucidated the preachings of  Jainism to disseminate throughout the layers of content and wisdom and thus alleviating the human suffering. Dr.M.D.Vasantharaj, former professor of Jainology and Prakrits, Mysore University, inaugurated the website and traced the path of Jainism in India citing the relics of the past.

Dr. M.D.Vasantharaj Inaugurating the website. Also seen in the photograph are Dr. (Mrs.) Meera Murthy, His Holiness Swasti Sri Buvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj, Dr.B.N.Chandraiah, Sri N.Girigowda and Mr. Nitin H.P.

 Mr. H.P.Nitin who has designed and developed the website explained in detail the concept and objectivity of the website and opined that it is imperative and eminent to derive the advancement in the electronic media in creating awareness about Jainism both among the scholars and the common-folk alike.

Book Release: ‘Rangaprasanga’ a book written by Dr.H.A.Parshwanath Professor of Pathology, Mysore Medical College, Mysore (Editor - in - Chief: JAINA VOICE)  was released by Dr. Meera Murthy Professor of dramatics, Mysore University on the occasion. The book consists of the leading reports and reviews and criticisms on modern theatre. Dr. Krishnamurthy Hanuru the critic reviewed the book and described it as lexicon like in its composition and format giving a vivid picture of the recent trends in Kannada theatre. Dr.B.N.Chandraiah a well known Linguist and Jain scholar presided over the function. Author of the book Dr.H.A.Parshwanath and Sri N. Girigowda, President, Kannada Sahitya Parishath Mysore, were also present on the occasion.  - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

ALL INDIA DIGAMBAR JAIN CONFERENCE CONVENTION

The Convention of the All India Digambar Jain Conference was held at Jhadol village, Sarada Tehsil, Dist. Udaipur from 18th to 23rd May, 2002 in the presence of many Jain ascetics namely, Acharya Shri Vardhman Sagarji, Muni Shri Sukumal Nandiji, Shri Shanti  Sagarji, and others. Apart from the Conference proceedings, five kalyanaks, Garbha, Birth, Tap, Kewal Gyan and Moksha were presented. A tableaux on the birth of Bhagwan Mahavir was also arranged. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

PREKHSHA DHYAN WORKSHOP  FROM 21st OCTOBER TO 30TH OCTOBER 2002

A Preksha Dhyan workshop is to be organized between 21st Oct. to 30th Oct. 2002 at Preksha Vishva Bharti, Koba - Gandhinagar Highway near Ahmedabad. Acharya  Mahapragyaji after an interval of almost two decades will regularly conduct the workshop. The workshop includes meditation classes and discourses by learned Sadhus and Sadhvis. Meditation classes will be conducted by Yuvacharya Shree Mahasamanji & other learned Sadhus and Sadhvis.

An approximate number of 100 people is expected to be enrolled for the workshop. Depending on the response received the limit to the number of participants may be relaxed. The cost of enrollment for each participant has been tentatively fixed as Rs. 2100/-. The participants would be provided with boarding and lodging facilities with an A.C. room to be shared by two people. The reading material of the workshop would be mailed to each of the participant well in advance so as to keep them informed of the proceedings in the workshop. The minimum qualification for enrollment to the workshop is a graduation in any field. 

The enquires in India can be done at sr_bhandari@indiatimes.com. The enquires outside India can be done with Mr. Sulekh Jain, Houston, Texas, 281 494 7656, email: scjain@earthlink.net.   

PANCHAKALYANAK PRATISHTA MAHOTSAV OF BHAGAWAN PARSHWANATHA AT RATNAGIRI

Ratnagiri is situated at a distance of 10 Kilometers from the Hosakere Village on the way to Pavagadha from Madhugiri in Tumkur district. Special transport arrangements are being made for Ratnagiri from Bangalore on the 21st of June from Chakreshwari Mahila Samaj, Bangalore. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

PRATISHTA MAHOTSAV OF BHAGAWAN ADINATHA AND BHAGAWAN MAHAVIR AT BOSTON

Boston (America), June 5: The Pancha Kalyanak Pratishta Mahotsav of Bhagawan Adinatha (Digambara Order) and Bhagawan Mahavir (Swethambara Order) was held from June 5th to 9th at The Jain Centre of Greater Boston under the guidance of His Holiness Srimad Devendrakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Jan Muth Huncha (Karnataka). For further details visit website: www.jcgb.org 

He also laid the foundation stone for the Jain temple that is to be built in New York on 15th June. This is the 44th foreign tour of Devendrakeerthi Maharaj and it is the 32nd Pratishta Mahotsav that is being conducted outside India under his guidance. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

LOVE THY COUNTRY AND RESPECT THE RELIGION - A CALL BY SRIMAD DEVENDRAKEERTHI BHATTARAKHA MAHARAJ

Sydney (Australia), May 1: Srimad Devendrakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Jain Muth Huncha (Karnataka) gave a clarion call to the entire Jain community to respect the religion and its principles for its better living and prosperity. He was speaking on the occasion of the Pratishta Mahotsav of Bhagawan Mahavira (Digambara Order) and Bhagawan Parshwanatha (Swethambara Order) at Sydney. The cultural programmes given by the boys and girls were very attractive. This is the 44th foreign tour of Devendrakeerthi Maharaj and it is the 31st (2nd in Australia) Pratishta Mahotsav that is being conducted outside India under his guidance.   

Srimad Devendrakeerthi Maharaj gave more than 28 lectures at Sydney and Melbourne from 1st May to 15th May 2002. Separate workshops on Jainism for Jains, non Jains and children were conducted on the occasion. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.   

FOOT STEPS OF BHAGAWAN SHAMBHAVANATHA REINSTALLED

Sammetha Shikarji: The foot steps of the third tirthankara Bhagawan Shambavanatha was reinstalled under the presence of of Sri Nityananda Vijayasurishwarji Maharaj. This ceremony was jointly organized by both the Digambar and the Swethambara sect. It can be recalled here that the foot steps present here was damaged due to heavy rains and lightning. The entire work of rebuilding the structure was carried out by both the communities. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

15TH COMMEMORATION ANNIVERSARY SRI DESHABHUSHANA MAHARAJ CELEBRATED

RS. 4 LAKH COLLECTED FROM TIRTHA RAKSHA KALASHA IN KARNATAKA

Shravanabelagola, June 9: In a step towards stabilizing the Tritha Raksha Corpus Fund established by Bharatha Varshiya Digambara Jaina Tirtha Kshetra Committee a sum of Rs. Four Lakhs Fifteen Thousand four hundred and sixty one was collected from 140 places in Karnataka. This was informed by Sri D.R.Shah (Indi) President of the Karnataka State Tirtha Kshetra Committee. The tirtha Raksha Kalasha pooja was conducted in 400 temple through out the state during the time of Makara Sankranthi festival in January 2002. This Tirtha Raksha Kalasha was established under the guidance of Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of Shravanabelagola during his chaturmas at Bijapur in 2001. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

SPECIAL LECTURE ON "A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF  BHAGAWAN MAHAVIRA & BUDDHA" HELD AT MUDABIDRI

Mudabidri (Karnataka), June 9: A special lecture on "A Comparative Study of Bhagawan Mahaveera and Buddha" was conducted here at the Samaja Mandira, Mudabidri. This was jointly organized by the Jain Milan Branch and the Samaja Mandira Trust, Moodabidri. Dr.H.A.Parshwanath, Professor and Head Department of Pathology, Mysore Medical College, Mysore was the speaker. He described the life and achievements of Bhagawan Mahavira and Buddha and explained the contrasts and similarities that existed between them. He also threw light on the principles of Jainism and Buddhism and stressed on the importance of the Ahimsa and Non-Violence in the present scenario. The function was presided over by Sri S.D.Samrajya. It can be recalled here that the Samaja Mandira Trust has been organizing many lectures related to different religions of the world periodically. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

DISCOURSES BY MUNI SRI TARUNSAGARJI MAHARAJ IN ASTHA T.V.

SEMINAR ON SCIENCE AND JAIN RELIGION IN JAIPUR ON 15, 16 AND 17TH JUNE 2002

Jaipur: A seminar on " Science and Jain Religion" has been organized at Jaipur on the 15, 16 and 17th June 2002. The seminar will be addressed by  eminent scientists and Jaina philosophers, who are presently engaged to establish the co-relation in the scientific investigations made so far and the facts as brought out by our revered Acharyas in our sacred scriptures. The abstract of the papers presented would be published in the book form after the seminar.

This seminar is being conducted with the blessings of Pujya Munishri Kshamasagarji Maharaj. It can be recalled here that a series of seminars were conducted at Guna, Jhansi, Indire and Bina under the guidance of Pujya Maharaj, this is a fifth of its kind that is being organized under his guidance. The speakers in the seminar include:

Dr. Shreyansh K. Jain, Baraut

Dr. Bhagchand Bhaskar, Nagpur

Dr. R.C. Jain, MACT Bhopal

Prof. Narendra Prakash Jain, Firozabad

Dr. Ratan Chand Jain, Bhopal

Jai Kumar Jain, Delhi

Shri Anil K. Jain, Ahmedabad

Dr. Raj Mal Jain, ISRO, Ahmedabad

Dr. Sheetal Chand Jain, Jaipur

Dr. Ashok K. Jain, Gwalior  

 - Manish modi, manish.modi@bol.net.in

CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS OF SRI GOPALDAS SANSKRIT MAHAVIDYALAY

Muraina: The centenary celebration of the Sri Gopaldas Sanskrit Mahavidyalay would be held this year. The was told by Sri Nirmal Kumar Sethi President of Bharatha Varshiya Digambara Jaina Tirtha / Dharma Samrakshan Mahasabha. He had participated in the celebration of the 136th birth anniversary of Pandit Sri Gopaldas Bairayaji here at Muraina. Speaking on the occasion he recalled that till now fifteen students of the Mahavidyalay have become Digambar  munis (ascetics), five of them Kshulakhs and three of them Bhattarakhas. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.   

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR KUNDA KUNDA JNANAPEETHA AWARDS

Indore: Applications have been invited for the Kunda Kunda Jnanapeetha awards and the Kunda Kunda Jnanodaya Itihas awards by the Kunda Kunda Jnanapeeth Indore. The Kunda Kunda Jnanapeetha awards encloses a sum of Rs. 25,000, a certificate and a memento and till now it has been confered on seven Jain scholars. The published and Unpublished books on Jain Philosophy are being considered for this award. The Kunda Kunda Jnanodaya Itihas awards encloses a sum of Rs. 11,000, a certificate and a memento and is being conferred on two Jain scholars till date. This award is being given to Jain scholars for their excellence in the field of History of Jainism. further details can be obatined from Dr. Anupam Jain, Secretary, Kunda Kunda Jnanapeeth, 584, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Tokosuj, Indore (M.P.) - 542001. The applications are recieved till 30th of June. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.       

HAIR REMOVAL CEREMONY OF ACHARYA SUBHALASAGARJI MAHARAJ

NEW TEMPLE OF BHAGAWAN MAHAVIR AT MYSORE INAUGURATED

BOOK AITIHASIKA MAHAPURUSHA MAHAVIRA RELEASED

CHATTISGARH DECLARES JAINS AS MINORITIES

MASS MARRIAGE IN SEPTEMBER BY JAIN MARRIAGE BUREAU MYSORE

DIRECTORY OF JAIN BRIDES AND GROOMS RELEASED

Pune, June 9: On the occasion of Jain Vadhu Var Parichay Sammelan held on 9th June 2002 (organized by Jain Sahyog,Pune) a directory of Jain brides & grooms was released here at Pune. This directory contains bio-datas of 1899 Jain brides and grooms (972 brides & 927 grooms). The bio-data of each bride/grooms gives the details like name, date of birth, height, education, occupation, full postal address, phone number with area code and other necessary information. This directory being published in Marathi language includes the information of brides and grooms residing in Maharashtra, Gujrat and Karnataka and 20 entries from over seas.
The copy of this directory can be obtained by sending a Money order of Rs. 210 (Rs. 150+ Rs. 60 (Postage) only) to: Mahavir Sanglikar, Freelance Press Service, 201, Mumbai Pune Marg, Chinchwad East, Pune 41109. The directory would be send to the recipients by speed post after receiving the money order. Further enquiries can be made by calling Mr. Mahavir Sanglikar on 91-20-7460341. E-mail: jainsahyog2002@yahoo.com - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

BOOK "JAINISM AND THE SPIRITUALITY" PUBLISHED

A new exciting book - "Jainism and the New Spirituality" by Professor Vastupal Parikh has been published by Peace Publications, Ahmedabad  .The book explains principles and practices of Jainism in a simple lucid language and links this ancient religion with the modern concepts of spirituality. The author proposes that Jainism represents a new spirituality - one that has at its core the human and animal rights, social justice, and environment. The book will be a valuable reading for anyone interested in spiritual values, world religions, multi-faith movement, peace, ecology, and social justice. It is also a good reference for students of Jainism, whether they are exploring the depths and riches of Jain philosophy or rediscovering their heritage. Jainism and the New Spirituality is a Canadian publication, readily available from: Ranjan Parikh, Peace Publication, 4 Chandanwadi, Shahibag Opposite Raj Bhavan, AHMEDABAD, Gujarat. The cost of the book outside India is Rs.600 + shipping charges extra. The book can be obtained with in India at a subsidized price. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

JAIN YOUTH CAMP AT NIAGARA FALLS

IMJM Canada is conducting a Jain Youth Camp for those aged between 12 and 17 years. The camp would be conducted at  Niagara Falls, Ontario and runs through July 25-28, 2002 with its main theme as "Jainism: Then and Now". The cost of the Camp has being subsidized by raising funds, and is being fixed as $99 total (Canadian dollars). This includes accomodation, meals, activities, T-shirt, and handbook. The well planned programmes would be led by counselors, invited guests, and Sri Armendra Muniji. This would be a very good opportunity for the young budding youth to learn, enjoy, and meet other youth from all over North America. The registrations would be accepted on a first-come first-serve basis. Enclosed registration fee with cheque payable to "IMJM Canada" could be sent to: IMJM Canada, c/o J.K. Jain, 1270 Playter Place, Oakville, ON L6M 2V4, Canada.

Further details of the camp can be obtained from the IMJM website: www.imjm.ca .  Email: jaincamp@hotmail.com .  - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

PANCHA KALYANAK PRATISHTA MAHOTSAV

Bannikoppa (karnataka) April 30: The Pancha Kalyanak Pratishta Mahotsav of the Chaturmukha (Chowmikha or four sided) idol of Bhagawan Parshwanatha to be installed in the Manasthambh was organized under the guidance of Sri Jinasena Bhattarakha Maharaj of Nandani, Muni Sri Amruthasena Maharaj, Muni Sri Nirvanasagar Maharaj, Muni Sri Vrishabasena Maharaj and Aryika Sri Veeramathi Mathaji were also present in the occassion. The functions which were organized from 24th to 30th April attracted thousands of devotees from all religions. Sri Phakireshwara Siddarama Swamiji of Sri Phakireshwara Samsthana Muth Shirahatti, Dr. Sugnandev Shivacharya Swamiji and Dr.siddalinga Swamiji of the Verashaiva Muth Gadag gave special discourses during the procedings.

Chickkanakodige, (Karnataka) May 23: The Pancha Kalyanak Pratishta Mahotsav of Bhagawan Parshwanatha was held from May 23rd t0 27th at the Chickkanakodige vilage of Mudigere taluk of Chickkamagalur District in Karnataka. The Pratishta Mahotsav was conducted under the guidance of Swasti Sri Lalithakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Jain Muth Karkala. 

Sanal, (Karnataka) May 17: The Pancha Kalyanak Pratishta Mahotsav of the idol of Bhagawan Mahavira to be installed in the Manasthambh and the idol of Bhagawan Mahavir to be installed in the shikar of the temple at Sanal of Jamakandi Taluk in Bagalkot district of Karnataka was carried out from May 17th to 24th. The proceedings were carried out under the guidance of Parama Pujya Yuvacharya 108 Swasti Sri Gunadharanandi Maharaj, Muni Sri Karunanandi Maharaj and Sri Vrishabhasena Bhattarakha Maharaj of Lakkavalli.     

Gijavane (Maharashtra) May 14: The Pancha Kalyanak Pratishta Mahotsav of the idol to be installed in the newly built Manasthambh in front of the Bhagawan Adinatha temple was conducted from May 14th to 20th  under the guidance of Sri Laksmisena Bhattarakha Maharaj of Kolhapur. Gijavane is situated in the Gadahinglaj taluk of of Kolhapur distict in Maharashtra.

Aaspur (Rajasthan), May 18: The Pancha Kalyanak Pratishta Mahotsav of the idol of Bhagawan Adinatha was orgainzed from 18th to 24th May, 2002 at Aaspur in Dungarpur district of  Rajasthan. The function was organized by the Digambar Jain Narasingpur Samaj, Aaspur. 

Kannauj (Uttar Pradesh), May 10: The Pancha Kalyanak Pratishta Mahotsav of the idol of Bhagawan Padma Prabhu was organised at Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh from 10th to 15th May, 2002 in the presence of Muni Shri Samta Sagarji Maharaj, Praman Sagarji Maharaj and Ailak Shri Nishchay Sagarji Maharaj.

 POOJA MAHOTSAV

Sringere (Karnataka), May 3: The pooja mahotsav of the newly renovated temple at Sringeri (Chickkamagalur District, Karnataka) of Bhagawan Parshwanatha was conducted from 3rd to 5th May 2002. The proceedings of the mahotsav was carried out under the presence of Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Maharaj of Narasimharajapura and Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of Moodabidri. This temple has been renovated by the grants received from the Government of Karnataka, Sri  Dharmotthana Trust of Dharmasthala and other donations under the guidance of Sri Lalithakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of Karkala. Smt Rathnamma Hegede released AHIMSA the souvenir berought to mark the occasion and laid the foundation stone to the proposed Yatri Nivas. Sri D.B.Chandregowda Minister of Law Karnataka Government, D.C. Sri Gopal, Sri Gowrishankar administrative officer Sringeri Sri Sharadha Peetha and other dignitaries were present in the occassion. 

Srirangapattana (Karnataka), May 15: To mark the Akshayatritiya (the day on which Bhagawan Adinatha first took food) of Bhagawan Adinatha a grand pooja Mahotsav was organized at the Bhagawan Adinatha Jain temple Srirangapattana in Mysore district of Karnataka. The abhiheka with 108 Kalash to Bhagawan Adinatha, Bhaktamara Aradhana and a religious meeting was conducted to mark the occasion. Mr. S.N.Ashok Kumar, editor Gommatavani (a Jain periodical brought from Shravanabelagola) spoke on the occasion.   

Sitakal (Karnataka), May 26: The Annual Pooja Mahotsav of Bhagawan Parshwanatha and Goddess Padmavathi at the Jain temple in Sitakal (Tumkur District) was conducted on the 26th of May under the guidance of Devendrakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of Huncha. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

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